Slovakia to increase police presence at emergency departments

Slovak Health Minister Kamil Šaško has announced that police patrols will be increased at accident and emergency (A&E) departments starting this Friday. This decision, made in coordination with Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Štoka, follows recent attacks on healthcare workers, including a specific incident involving a nurse at the Kramáre hospital in Bratislava.

To enhance safety for both medical staff and patients, the Health Minister has instructed directors of state-run hospitals to implement four key security measures:

1. The installation and expansion of panic buttons linked directly to central security desks or security services. 2. The implementation of audible alarms that trigger immediately upon the activation of an emergency button. 3. Practical de-escalation and safety training for designated staff, led by certified instructors. 4. Strengthening physical security, increasing response teams, and enhancing CCTV surveillance of entrances and public areas in high-risk zones.

The ministry is also working with the Interior Ministry and the Police Corps to develop a uniform protection standard for all state hospitals.